Robert Duvall, the formidable actor who helped define a generation of American cinema, has died at the age of 95. His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed the news in a Facebook message. “Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love and peace,” she wrote.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, director, and storyteller. To me, he was everything. His passion for his art was matched only by his deep love of characters, great food, and holding court. In each of his many roles, Bob gave his all to the characters and the truths of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he left a lasting and indelible mark on all of us.”
Duvall has been married four times, most recently to Luciana Pedraza in 2005. he had no children.
Classic career and constant reinvention
Duvall’s breakthrough on screen began early with his role as Boo Radley in A Tale of Alabama (1962). This role is more of a presence than an act, but it’s still an unforgettable role. He worked steadily for a decade, appearing in films such as Bullitt (1968) and True Grit (1969), before reaching a wider audience with his role as the arrogant Frank Burns in the 1970 film M*A*S*H.
After that, a series of films appeared on the list of greatest hits in American cinema. He played Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, bringing a cool, sharp intellect to the Corleone family consigliere. In Apocalypse Now (1979), he made a huge impact as the cavalry-capped Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, uttering the line that has been passed down for decades: “Charlie don’t surf!” and “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Duvall received seven Academy Award nominations and won one for Best Actor for 1984’s Tender Mercies. Over the next few decades, he continued to work in leading supporting roles and occasional leading roles, including his second directorial effort, The Apostle (1997), for which he was again nominated for Best Actor. In 2015, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Judge, co-starring Robert Downey Jr., making him the oldest male actor nominated in that category at the time.
Tributes poured in from all over Hollywood.
Reactions immediately began pouring in from co-stars, collaborators, and longtime fans.
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Duvall in The Godfather series, The Rain People, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now, wrote, “What a shock to hear of Robert Duvall’s death. Such a great actor and an integral part of American zoetrope since its early days.”
Al Pacino said it was a pleasure to work with him. “He was, as they say, a born actor. He will always be remembered for his connection, understanding and incredible talent with actors. He will be sorely missed.”
Robert De Niro added: “God bless Bobby. I hope he lives to be 95. May he rest in peace.”
Adam Sandler shared a photo from the filming of Hustle and wrote, “He’s so funny. He’s so strong. One of the greatest actors ever. A great guy to talk to and laugh with.”
Viola Davis, who co-starred with Duvall in Widows, wrote, “I was in awe. I was always in awe of your towering performance as a quiet yet dominant man in his humanity. You were a giant…an icon.” “Greatness never dies. It… remains as a gift. Rest in peace, Master. Your name will be spoken… May the flight of angels sing you a song of rest.”
Walton Goggins, who co-starred with Duvall in The Apostle, called Duvall “the greatest storyteller of all time,” writing, “He was my friend. He was my mentor…The privilege of working with and knowing this man remains the most important experience of my life. He was my north star, my hero.”
Michael Keaton described Duvall as “the epitome of greatness as an actor,” and Josh Gad said Duvall was “simply one of the greatest people to ever play him.”
Jamie Lee Curtis paid tribute alongside an image of Duvall as Tom Hagen, writing: “The best consigliere the screen has ever seen. Bravo Robert Duvall.”
Turner Classic Movies praised the show, saying, “Duvall’s storytelling transcends mediums and audiences,” and host Ben Mankiewicz said, “You can’t help but love everything about Robert Duvall’s work.”
